Luxembourg

History

The country known today as Luxembourg was first ruled by Count Conrad, who began the house of Luxembourg in the 14th century. Spain and Austria alternately controlled Luxembourg until 1815, when, after the Napoleonic Wars, it became a grand duchy and was placed under the rule of King William I of The Netherlands. Luxembourg was part of Belgium for several years, then fell under the control of Prussia. After being overrun by German armies in both World Wars, it later became a sovereign nation and an original member of the United Nations, strengthening its position in international affairs. Luxembourg has also joined the European Union and adopted the euro as its official currency.

Church History

The Pentecostal message first came to Luxembourg in the 1970s through a German pastor from Trier, Germany. He established a coffeehouse ministry in Luxembourg City, the capital. With the help of volunteers, he established a church of about 50 believers. However, that work in Luxembourg gradually declined until David and Phyllis Porter, the first Assemblies of God missionaries to Luxembourg, arrived. They joined with British Assemblies of God missionaries John and Anne Leese in opening La Rencontre (The Encounter), a Christian coffeehouse in the capital.

The Movement Today

Nearly 97 percent of Luxembourg’s population claim to be Roman Catholic. A small number of Protestants and Jews make up the rest of the population. Regular church services, coffeehouse ministries, Teen Challenge, crusades, weekly evangelism efforts and modern media ministries comprise the work of Pentecostal believers in Luxembourg today. Much of the Pentecostal church in Luxembourg is made up of expatriates living in the country. There are few nationals among the Pentecostals because the general population is largely suspicious of non-Catholic believers. Much work needs to be done as the people are economically wealthy but spiritually destitute.

The Assemblies of God in Luxembourg report the following statistics: two national ministers and two churches with 198 members and adherents.

Additional Facts About Luxembourg

Capital: Luxembourg City

Area: 998 square miles

Population: 550,000

Urbanization: 85%

Government: Constitutional monarchy

Languages: Luxembourgian, German, French, and English

Ethnic Groups: Celtic descendants (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian and other European expatriates